Panama Canal crossing and cell phone use

[lorimay]

Has anyone been able to use their cell phone while crossing the canal using the travel pass on Verizon?
I just added the pass for our upcoming cruise and she told me you can't be on the ship or you will be charged the $2.99 a minute fee.
In the past we have been able to turn on our phones as soon as we docked in any port with no issues.

 

[DynamicDisneyDuo]

If the ship is close enough to land to ping a tower there, the Travel Pass should work.

I believe the reason it worked so quickly in port is that they normally turn off their cell equipment when in port.

 

[remlap]

DCL (and any cruise ship) has to turn off their cellular at sea when getting close to land (mile or so, i'm sure there is something official) While I can't comment on Verizon coverage, DCL's cellular will be turned off that entire day until you reach the other ocean.

 

[xavier2001]

We did the WBPC in 2018 and did not have much luck with the Verizon travel pass, was cheaper/easier just to use the ship wifi package. We made a large package last the whole 2 weeks, checking in on fb and emails once or twice a day. We were able to use Verizon on land in Mexico, but even when the ship was in port, it kept trying to connect to the ship satellite and not Mexican cell service.

 

[BartmanLA]

If you're looking for cellular coverage for calling people, that depends on if you have added a international calling package from your provider, otherwise you'll be paying very high roaming rates if you attempt calls or data access while using your regular home cell plan. I personally use a International Hotspot called Skyroam that works off cellular service in over 150 countries, I only use it in ports and through the Panama Canal it worked just great for data access, you can tether up to 5 devices to it and the 24 hour day pass only costs $9 a day. Otherwise you'll have to contact your cellular provider and inquire about international calling prices and packages to use your phone in and through the Canal.

 

[DynamicDisneyDuo]

If you're looking for cellular coverage for calling people, that depends on if you have added a international calling package from your provider, /QUOTE]

That's what the Travel Pass is for Verizon.

 

[lorimay]

Thanks for the replies, just would like to call home and check on everyone, we hopefully can do that.
My parents in their 80's don't text or email, so I have to call them.

 

[remlap]

Thanks for the replies, just would like to call home and check on everyone, we hopefully can do that.
My parents in their 80's don't text or email, so I have to call them.

you can always call. It just depends how much you want to pay for the privilege.

 

[lorimay]

you can always call. It just depends how much you want to pay for the privilege.

Yep! You gotta do whatcha gotta do!

 

[JPTexan82]

I was just in Panama for work and went to the canal. My company phone is a Verizon iPhone 7. I had no issues making phone calls, or using the internet at all while I was there. Even two hours north of the city, I had good coverage. Panama is a very mondern country when it comes to internet/cell service.

Tip turn the phone on and off, to allow the cell service to sync up. The. You will get the travel pass text message.

 

[tutumomickey]

We have always had great wifi while passing through the canal. Use that time to check on the family at home mid way through the 2 weeks. Only9 days! Can't wait.